Posted on 07/29/2006 1:51:47 PM PDT by LdSentinal
The following is the complete text of Mel Gibson's statement regarding his arrest for investigation of driving under the influence of alcohol:
"After drinking alcohol on Thursday night, I did a number of things that were very wrong and for which I am ashamed. I drove a car when I should not have, and was stopped by the L.A. County sheriffs. The arresting officer was just doing his job and I feel fortunate that I was apprehended before I caused injury to any other person.
"I acted like a person completely out of control when I was arrested, and said things that I do not believe to be true and which are despicable. I am deeply ashamed of everything I said.
"Also, I take this opportunity to apologize to the deputies involved for my belligerent behavior. They have always been there for me in my community and indeed probably saved me from myself. I disgraced myself and my family with my behavior and for that I am truly sorry.
"I have battled the disease of alcoholism for all of my adult life and profoundly regret my horrific relapse. I apologize for any behavior unbecoming of me in my inebriated state and have already taken necessary steps to ensure my return to health."
Until he denounces his anti-semitic attitudes by name, and calls his own anti-semitism despicable, Jews will be left to wonder if he doesn't secretly still hold them.
Talk about putting things succinctly. There is nothing I could post that says it better than that.
You forgive anti-semitism? Gibson has not apologized for his anti-semitism, by name, as he did his actions toward the sheriffs' deputies.
An alcoholic who takes a drink does not make a "mistake." He intentionally puts himself in jeopardy of going off the deep end.
A lot more than 6 million people were killed during WWII, Hildy.
People were killed for helping Jews, for being homosexual, for being Gypsies, for being Catholic for being anti-Communist, for being retarded, I can go on, and on...
You don't think Christ would forgive anti-semitism?
My point was to point out that Gibson cannot be seen to be like a Pharisee in that a typical Pharisee would never repent and it was their self-righteousness that was so abhorrent to Christ.
Gibson's statement, however, does not exhibit ANY self-righteousness thus cannot be seen to be similar to a Pharisee.
You are correct in that Gibson did not itemize his sins of the night. He did not enumerate the things he said to the police, the behavior of refusing to get in the car, the cursing, the possible sexist comments OR the anti-Semitism. The impression one gets in the statement is that he is not proud of any of the behavior.
No. Not if the anti-semite continued to harbor his Jew hatred.
Or that his publicist is not.
Perhaps he will speak personally about this and not hide behind "statements."
Oh, he'll talk. He'll go into rehab or something...he'll talk about his demons...but I don't think there's anyway he can take back what he said.
He will not be able to avoid it. In any interview he gives in the next couple of months he will have to.
And he will most likely apologize. But it won't make much difference. Those who believe he hates all Jews and women and police will continue to believe that.
In regards to the Jews, he has a bit of a history to overcome.
If you are speaking of "The Passion" that is some people's take.
Yet as you know, there are many others who don't believe that to be true and believe the depiction of the movie to have accurately reflected the gospels.
No. I am speaking of his refusal to condemn his father's anti-semitism.
I'm not perfect.
But I don't like bigots. Is that okay with you?
I think you're misusing the word "REAL." Being drunk let's go of our inhibitions. Saying I HATE F****g JEWS is not something you would say in polite company...even though that's what you think. But when you're drunk..that filter is gone. So when we say "THE REAL" person comes out...it's the stuff that we think and would like to do in our hearts, but our natural society "filters" won't allow. I hope that was understandable.
Hildy, I disagree with you in that we all have dark thoughts and impure impulses. We don't express them or act upon them under normal circumstances. Are the thoughts there, even when sober? Of course - sometimes.
BUT - if you see the "real" person as consisting only of the negative parts of their nature (which may be revealed when drinking), that is as "unreal" as denying that people have dark sides. ALL of us are good and bad.
I hope that was understandable. This discussion troubles me, and I am having difficulty clearly expressing my thoughts.
YOU SAID: A lot more than 6 million people were killed during WWII, Hildy.
People were killed for helping Jews, for being homosexual, for being Gypsies, for being Catholic for being anti-Communist, for being retarded, I can go on, and on...
If Mel had cursed out homosexuals, gypsies, Catholics, anti-Communists or the retarded, than maybe your comments would be relevant. Be he cursed out Jews...so what you said means nothing.
Why does the discussion trouble you? I'm curious.
Not only the UN, but much of Hollywood - I think that support of the "Palesinian cause" is a cover for anti-semitism in most cases.
I think Gibson is correct to refuse to allow his family into any public discussion. I would do the same. My Dad has some problems, but I certainly wouldn't speak negatively about him publicly no matter what the pressure.
Gibson should not be judged by what his father or any of his family believe IMO.
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